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Insider
There are any number of ways to skim the stock market. But sometimes, there is a price to be paid ...
– A SOFTWARE ENGINEER goes missing in the Baltic.
– AN UNSCRUPULOUS STOCKBROKER is audaciously murdered in a crowded bar room.
– A HOTSHOT CEO is accused of insider trading.
When Shashi Kurva, one of the country's most successful CEOs, is named in an insider trading scandal, he is stunned. Utterly blindsided, he makes desperate attempts to prove his innocence and identify the real culprit, only to stumble upon a conspiracy that hits far too close to home.
Racing between the boardroom, a stockbroking firm and a shattered family, Insider is a tale of duplicity and avarice, manipulation and murder, that takes you into the murky depths of the Indian stock market and data analytics, where profit is the only object, and money the only language.
While comparisons to veteran thriller writer John Grisham are inevitable, Raman's writing is more inspired by the older canon of crime writing - The New Indian Express
RV Raman picks a crime fiction to make a debut and weaves a tight plot and a clear narrative to keep you engrossed.- The Hindustan Times
If art imitates life, then we all need to be very worried ... an insider's account of the less than salubrious side of the corporate world. - Deccan Chronicle
– A SOFTWARE ENGINEER goes missing in the Baltic.
– AN UNSCRUPULOUS STOCKBROKER is audaciously murdered in a crowded bar room.
– A HOTSHOT CEO is accused of insider trading.
When Shashi Kurva, one of the country's most successful CEOs, is named in an insider trading scandal, he is stunned. Utterly blindsided, he makes desperate attempts to prove his innocence and identify the real culprit, only to stumble upon a conspiracy that hits far too close to home.
Racing between the boardroom, a stockbroking firm and a shattered family, Insider is a tale of duplicity and avarice, manipulation and murder, that takes you into the murky depths of the Indian stock market and data analytics, where profit is the only object, and money the only language.
While comparisons to veteran thriller writer John Grisham are inevitable, Raman's writing is more inspired by the older canon of crime writing - The New Indian Express
RV Raman picks a crime fiction to make a debut and weaves a tight plot and a clear narrative to keep you engrossed.- The Hindustan Times
If art imitates life, then we all need to be very worried ... an insider's account of the less than salubrious side of the corporate world. - Deccan Chronicle
352 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2016
12 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
R.V. Raman
11 books122 followersMY BACKSTORY
After a corporate career spanning four decades and as many continents, I’ve moved away from full time roles to pursue other interests. I now serve as an independent director on company boards and write. In my earlier avatar, I had advised companies, banks, regulators, governments, etc. on various matters.
Tired of extensive physical travel, I now prefer less punishing mental excursions into fictional worlds of my own creation.
ABOUT MY CORPORATE THRILLERS
Surely, there must be men like Professor Moriarty in corporate India. They may not be such intellectual colossuses or consummate masters, but they would share some key traits with him – wile, ingenuity, drive and utter ruthlessness. And they would understand the psychology of temptation.
What kind of schemes would such men device? That is the question I seek to answer through these novels.
Apart from bringing in truckloads of money, these schemes would have to satisfy the fabled professor’s taste for elegant, water-tight designs; designs that ride on the motivations and vulnerabilities of intelligent but weak-minded men. My antagonists may not have Moriarty’s guile or panache, and my detectives may be intellectual pygmies before Holmes. Nevertheless, I have taken a shot (four shots, actually) at crafting credible stories of intelligent crimes in corporate India. Each of my four novels is set in a different industry.
ABOUT MY WHODUNITS
After four corporate thrillers, I turned to writing a series of murder mysteries (whodunits) with a new protagonist (Harith Athreya). I’ve tried to model these on the Golden Age Mysteries, while keeping them current with modern technology like mobile phones. And, as is the case with all my writing, I eschew vulgarity and profanity so that my stories are appropriate for readers of all ages. The only exception is the rare cuss-word that is used as an intensifier for emphasis.
SCIENCE FICTION
And most lately, I am trying my hand at science fiction. 2080: The Lattice is my first foray into this genre and is set in a world where mankind is addicted to AI. Unfortunately, the AI has become deeply biased, even prejudiced. Additionally, the internet has evolved to an extent where it carries all five senses perfectly, making virtual presence undistinguishable from physical reality.
Meanwhile, I continue experimenting with short stories set in contemporary India. Some of them are available on Amazon.
The list of my full-length novels so far:
Fraudster
Insider
Saboteur
Conspirator
A Will to Kill
A Dire Isle / Grave Intentions
Praying Mantis
The Last Resort
2080: The Lattice
Website.
RV Raman on Facebook
After a corporate career spanning four decades and as many continents, I’ve moved away from full time roles to pursue other interests. I now serve as an independent director on company boards and write. In my earlier avatar, I had advised companies, banks, regulators, governments, etc. on various matters.
Tired of extensive physical travel, I now prefer less punishing mental excursions into fictional worlds of my own creation.
ABOUT MY CORPORATE THRILLERS
Surely, there must be men like Professor Moriarty in corporate India. They may not be such intellectual colossuses or consummate masters, but they would share some key traits with him – wile, ingenuity, drive and utter ruthlessness. And they would understand the psychology of temptation.
What kind of schemes would such men device? That is the question I seek to answer through these novels.
Apart from bringing in truckloads of money, these schemes would have to satisfy the fabled professor’s taste for elegant, water-tight designs; designs that ride on the motivations and vulnerabilities of intelligent but weak-minded men. My antagonists may not have Moriarty’s guile or panache, and my detectives may be intellectual pygmies before Holmes. Nevertheless, I have taken a shot (four shots, actually) at crafting credible stories of intelligent crimes in corporate India. Each of my four novels is set in a different industry.
ABOUT MY WHODUNITS
After four corporate thrillers, I turned to writing a series of murder mysteries (whodunits) with a new protagonist (Harith Athreya). I’ve tried to model these on the Golden Age Mysteries, while keeping them current with modern technology like mobile phones. And, as is the case with all my writing, I eschew vulgarity and profanity so that my stories are appropriate for readers of all ages. The only exception is the rare cuss-word that is used as an intensifier for emphasis.
SCIENCE FICTION
And most lately, I am trying my hand at science fiction. 2080: The Lattice is my first foray into this genre and is set in a world where mankind is addicted to AI. Unfortunately, the AI has become deeply biased, even prejudiced. Additionally, the internet has evolved to an extent where it carries all five senses perfectly, making virtual presence undistinguishable from physical reality.
Meanwhile, I continue experimenting with short stories set in contemporary India. Some of them are available on Amazon.
The list of my full-length novels so far:
Fraudster
Insider
Saboteur
Conspirator
A Will to Kill
A Dire Isle / Grave Intentions
Praying Mantis
The Last Resort
2080: The Lattice
Website.
RV Raman on Facebook
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 2, 2020
A brilliant finance thriller by an Indian author, rare of a kind to have money matters tagging along throughout the plot. Precise narration, wish more people would appreciate this brilliance.
Read
July 10, 2016I have never recently completed a book within 8 hours of laying my hands on it. The last time I did such a thing was when Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was out. "Insider" by R.V. Raman is by far the best wihte-collar fraud related book I have read in a long time. I am truly in awe by the was he has brought out this book without giving ways to commercial stuff and mundane nonsense.
The book starts with a wide net of a CEO being accused of Insider trading and the financial broker who had carried out the trades ends up being murdered in broad day light. You could very well assume that this is just another suspense thriller story. Please don't make that mistake and give up on this book.
The author takes you through a roller coaster ride filled with technical gyan of the complexities of insider trading, emotional stability of a CEO who is being shamed by his own company, the deduction skills of Inspector Ranade and the big black world of The Onion Router(ToR) network and how finally the justice prevails. The blending of the technical/commercial world of Stock markets & SEBI was too fine that you tend to take it along with the story. It was more like reading the Clause 49 of Listing agreement in a fictional form. (Apologies!)
I was quite taken aback by the cracks in the Indian legislature when it comes to Insider Trading and I am sure representations would have been made to fix this. However, in the absence of any legal action, this story might well be a real life incident and the perpetrator was off the hook because"there was no victim and hence no crime" theory. I just hope no ingenious person takes this as a blue print and develops his scheme based on this book.
The book has a few drawbacks though. For a regular reader who doesn't come from a finance or accounting background, this book might not be a thriller because it might be a little too heavy to handle. Also, the characterisation and the transition between the scenes could have been a little more thrilling.
Overall, it was definitely a fun ride and a "unputdownable" book at last!!!!
The book starts with a wide net of a CEO being accused of Insider trading and the financial broker who had carried out the trades ends up being murdered in broad day light. You could very well assume that this is just another suspense thriller story. Please don't make that mistake and give up on this book.
The author takes you through a roller coaster ride filled with technical gyan of the complexities of insider trading, emotional stability of a CEO who is being shamed by his own company, the deduction skills of Inspector Ranade and the big black world of The Onion Router(ToR) network and how finally the justice prevails. The blending of the technical/commercial world of Stock markets & SEBI was too fine that you tend to take it along with the story. It was more like reading the Clause 49 of Listing agreement in a fictional form. (Apologies!)
I was quite taken aback by the cracks in the Indian legislature when it comes to Insider Trading and I am sure representations would have been made to fix this. However, in the absence of any legal action, this story might well be a real life incident and the perpetrator was off the hook because"there was no victim and hence no crime" theory. I just hope no ingenious person takes this as a blue print and develops his scheme based on this book.
The book has a few drawbacks though. For a regular reader who doesn't come from a finance or accounting background, this book might not be a thriller because it might be a little too heavy to handle. Also, the characterisation and the transition between the scenes could have been a little more thrilling.
Overall, it was definitely a fun ride and a "unputdownable" book at last!!!!
August 21, 2016
This is no run-of-the-mill crime thriller. Some serious thinking and solid work have gone into its creation. It's really unique in the way it's been constructed. A good, solid white-collar crime blended into a murder mystery, which has been narrated as a thriller. Brilliant.
There is an intriguing plot in this sharp police-procedural-cum-thriller. I Liked the way Inspector Ranade investigates and deduces. It has enough twists along the way to keep you riveted, and the ending is interesting. Having some IT background, I thoroughly enjoyed the analytics part too.
What stand out are the crimes themselves and the way the investigators get to the truth. However, not everyone will appreciate the brilliance of the insider trading scheme to the same extent. The closer you are to the corporate world, the more you'll appreciate it.
Having read two of Raman's novels, I must say that his knowledge of corporate India and the motivations it engenders is impressive. Weaving these into realistic stories is an art, and Raman accomplishes it rather well. His books must be some sort of a first in India, as I haven't read any like them. Look forward to more.
There is an intriguing plot in this sharp police-procedural-cum-thriller. I Liked the way Inspector Ranade investigates and deduces. It has enough twists along the way to keep you riveted, and the ending is interesting. Having some IT background, I thoroughly enjoyed the analytics part too.
What stand out are the crimes themselves and the way the investigators get to the truth. However, not everyone will appreciate the brilliance of the insider trading scheme to the same extent. The closer you are to the corporate world, the more you'll appreciate it.
Having read two of Raman's novels, I must say that his knowledge of corporate India and the motivations it engenders is impressive. Weaving these into realistic stories is an art, and Raman accomplishes it rather well. His books must be some sort of a first in India, as I haven't read any like them. Look forward to more.
June 26, 2016
I had enjoyed the first book by this author, and I enjoyed this one too. An interesting crime with a poison I had not come across earlier (not even in an Agatha Christie mystery, it must be a new one). The murder takes place in public view, but yet the culprit can’t be identified. The motive behind the murder is what leads to a high-stakes, corporate crime. Nicely narrated and well paced. There are 4 substantial female characters who are well etched out. That was a bit of a pleasant surprise because the author isn't a woman. Really liked the ending too, a nice twist.
November 11, 2016
5 star to the author Mr. R V Raman sir and the story. Way this story goes shows that the how much author has given his thought his experience in the finance industry. Hats off to the author. I became a fan of author reading this story awesome script awesome characters. Loved it. Thanks Mr R V Raman. Will be waiting for your next book having more knowledge about the finance industry with a crime thriller
December 22, 2019
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This was the first book by R.V. Raman that I read and well, I have to say that Insider is a rather apt name for it. The book starts off with a software engineer gone missing in the Baltic and then moves forward in time to India where a certain CEO is being accused of insider trading. It took me some time to complete this book but despite that, I fully enjoyed it. There were a few places where it didn't make any sense but more or less, it was a good read.
The story is about Shashi Kurve, the CEO of one of the most profitable e-commerce sites and how he is then accused of insider trading. Now for anyone not aware of the term, let me just say that it is ILLEGAL. So when Shashi is accused of it, he takes it upon himself to clear himself of the blame. He talks to his brother-in-law, the man he particularly despises and so would never have traded information with and then, asks him what is going on. What happens then is a chaos as Shashi's brother-in-law is soon murdered and the police has reasons to believe the killer might be Shashi himself. So not only is the man stuck in one case but also in another.
Ah, the story takes on a vicious turn when a lot of things unravel and we find out how and why was he framed, who was the killer, what the entire scenario about insider trading was and what not. Many questions are raised throughout the course of the book and many are then answered. It had me hooked right from the start and I swear, if it wasn't for the way I had to leave for work, I might never have stopped reading the book.
There were a few times when it got repetitive, though. I mean, a little things didn't make sense to me so I have to agree that as a whole, the book left me feeling a little off about it. Nonetheless, there were only two such instances in the entire book so overall, it was a great read.
If not a 5, I would at least give it a 4.5.
I also have to appreciate the author for his massive research, because the novel reeks of serious thinking and analyzing. R.V. Raman's words felt like magic as he narrated the events and got us hooked deeper and deeper until the only way out of the mystery was to read the entire book. I'd say I rather enjoyed going through it while I did.
P.S. The identity of Vivek Tola's killer really shocked me. (And, kind of, unsettled me, too.)
This was the first book by R.V. Raman that I read and well, I have to say that Insider is a rather apt name for it. The book starts off with a software engineer gone missing in the Baltic and then moves forward in time to India where a certain CEO is being accused of insider trading. It took me some time to complete this book but despite that, I fully enjoyed it. There were a few places where it didn't make any sense but more or less, it was a good read.
The story is about Shashi Kurve, the CEO of one of the most profitable e-commerce sites and how he is then accused of insider trading. Now for anyone not aware of the term, let me just say that it is ILLEGAL. So when Shashi is accused of it, he takes it upon himself to clear himself of the blame. He talks to his brother-in-law, the man he particularly despises and so would never have traded information with and then, asks him what is going on. What happens then is a chaos as Shashi's brother-in-law is soon murdered and the police has reasons to believe the killer might be Shashi himself. So not only is the man stuck in one case but also in another.
Ah, the story takes on a vicious turn when a lot of things unravel and we find out how and why was he framed, who was the killer, what the entire scenario about insider trading was and what not. Many questions are raised throughout the course of the book and many are then answered. It had me hooked right from the start and I swear, if it wasn't for the way I had to leave for work, I might never have stopped reading the book.
There were a few times when it got repetitive, though. I mean, a little things didn't make sense to me so I have to agree that as a whole, the book left me feeling a little off about it. Nonetheless, there were only two such instances in the entire book so overall, it was a great read.
If not a 5, I would at least give it a 4.5.
I also have to appreciate the author for his massive research, because the novel reeks of serious thinking and analyzing. R.V. Raman's words felt like magic as he narrated the events and got us hooked deeper and deeper until the only way out of the mystery was to read the entire book. I'd say I rather enjoyed going through it while I did.
P.S. The identity of Vivek Tola's killer really shocked me. (And, kind of, unsettled me, too.)
June 30, 2021
A fast-paced story of insider trading and financial crime. The author certainly demonstrates a good understanding of financial markets and securities trading. The plot is believable, though the method used to disseminate the inside information into actionable trades seemed more complicated than I think would be necessary in real life. There are less convoluted ways to do that, but I suppose it would make for a less exciting novel. Overall, I enjoyed it and look forward to the author's other works.
February 4, 2025
kuchh zyaada hi explanations thay does the author know Google exists if needed
November 8, 2016
Mr. Raman has just come up with a new way to scam the stock market! It’s illegal, of course, and uses insider trading. It is so simple in its design and yet so effective that it’s brilliant. I don’t recall reading a novel like this one before. None of the Wall Street novels I’ve read come close. And the best thing is that this is so very Indian. The author’s note that rounds off the book at the end is quite apt. I won’t be surprised if crooked punters copy the scam.
A racy, gripping story with strong characters and loads of intrigue makes for a great thriller. And it’s credible too. I really liked the analytics used by the data scientist to unravel the crime, and the way the inspector tracks down the culprits. An intelligent crime novel for intelligent readers.
If you are looking for a straight-forward thriller that doesn't tax your brain, this is not the one you want. This one grabs you by the collar and makes you pay attention. All in all, it's a very fulfilling read of the kind you don't often see in Indian writing. I had liked the author's earlier book. Liked this even better.
More reviews here.
A racy, gripping story with strong characters and loads of intrigue makes for a great thriller. And it’s credible too. I really liked the analytics used by the data scientist to unravel the crime, and the way the inspector tracks down the culprits. An intelligent crime novel for intelligent readers.
If you are looking for a straight-forward thriller that doesn't tax your brain, this is not the one you want. This one grabs you by the collar and makes you pay attention. All in all, it's a very fulfilling read of the kind you don't often see in Indian writing. I had liked the author's earlier book. Liked this even better.
More reviews here.
July 8, 2016
An incisive story about how sharp operators can make money on the Indian stock market. To add spice, there is murder along the way and lots of action. The story starts with an accusation of white collar crime, moves quickly to a murder, and then goes on to some pretty sharp deduction and fast moving action. The tension and suspense are maintained right up to the last page of the epilogue. The main characters are varied and well developed. The best part is the modus operandi of the crime, which is really innovative. So much so, that it may well be copied by real-life traders! I had liked the author’s earlier book. This one is a little better. Overall, it is a page turner and a pretty satisfying read.
June 22, 2016
Ahh.. Another book of financial fraud with murder mystery. Loved Fraudster and I loved this one too. Mr. Raman is using his professional experience to the full extent. Awesome plots. Nothing can hold back from completing this book in one go. Explaining financial terms and jargon in simple language is master stroke of story telling. And the last chapter from author raised many question on our legal system and loopholes in it.
Waiting for another book.! :)
Waiting for another book.! :)
August 18, 2017
This is nothing like what you might have read before. Completely new and completely novel, this book goes into far far depths of the dark secrets of the financial world of India. The narration is simple and story line is riveting, although it includes many many threads. The analysis of crime and the investigation episodes are spot on. Not exactly the edge of the seat kinds, but pick up this if you are looking for something very new in a tried and tested genre.
November 22, 2017
There are thrillers, and there are THRILLERS!
This one belonged to that elusive all-caps category, where the flow of information and technical details were matched word-for-word by pace, characterisation, and suspense.
In short, I absolutely loved it.
The previous novel by R.V. Raman had introduced us to Inspector Ranade, but the story (Fraudster) was too full of flash, bang, and melodrama, to be taken seriously. This one was quite unlike that.
Yes, it presented us with predictable villains, but the maze through which we, the readers, have to run before we reach the Minotaur, is terrific.
Highly Recommended, irrespective of your preference for (or against) financial-thrillers (believe me, that's one category that I never saw coming!).
This one belonged to that elusive all-caps category, where the flow of information and technical details were matched word-for-word by pace, characterisation, and suspense.
In short, I absolutely loved it.
The previous novel by R.V. Raman had introduced us to Inspector Ranade, but the story (Fraudster) was too full of flash, bang, and melodrama, to be taken seriously. This one was quite unlike that.
Yes, it presented us with predictable villains, but the maze through which we, the readers, have to run before we reach the Minotaur, is terrific.
Highly Recommended, irrespective of your preference for (or against) financial-thrillers (believe me, that's one category that I never saw coming!).
October 17, 2020
Simply brilliant.
October 25, 2017
Learnt about Stocks, Trading, Insider through this great work by Raman. This is my second book by the same author, next to Fraudster. I would recommend this book for new readers, as this could be read faster ~ 8-10hrs, He narrated in a way that readers could not sleep, should be read at one shot.
May 9, 2017
Completed another RV Raman book at a stretch; such writing & panache isn't easily achieved.
Author's world revolves around the mysterious, complicated & convoluted world of Banks & Finance; setting up a story within this world & explaining the story in simple terms is an achievement in itself !!!
There isn't like a single protagonist taking over the reins here; many characters converge to uncover a scandal which starts off with greed, betrayal & ends in murder.
Pace never lacks, characters with grey shades offer more depth & an urgency is consistently there throughout.
Antagonist does make a convincing argument, "How can there be a crime when there is no victim ?"
Through this novel, RV Raman questions valiantly the need for tweaking decades old justice system to punish the most modern & tech savvy WHITE COLLAR CRIMINALS...
Author's world revolves around the mysterious, complicated & convoluted world of Banks & Finance; setting up a story within this world & explaining the story in simple terms is an achievement in itself !!!
There isn't like a single protagonist taking over the reins here; many characters converge to uncover a scandal which starts off with greed, betrayal & ends in murder.
Pace never lacks, characters with grey shades offer more depth & an urgency is consistently there throughout.
Antagonist does make a convincing argument, "How can there be a crime when there is no victim ?"
Through this novel, RV Raman questions valiantly the need for tweaking decades old justice system to punish the most modern & tech savvy WHITE COLLAR CRIMINALS...
January 18, 2017
Close on the heels of Fraudster, comes another gripping potboiler Insider from R V Raman. The plot is terrific and Raman juggles the characters with remarkable dexterity, hooking the reader with sublime sub plots and a super narrative style. Raman proves why he has quickly established himself as an expert and master story teller in India of white collar crimes.
What is also truly commendable is that despite this being a work of fiction, Raman has woven in the strong thread of realism into the Insider. Not only does he make the story entirely plausible but also educates the reader on the fact that white collar crime in India often escapes punishment because it does not indict on circumstantial evidence and thus perhaps a call to the Indian judiciary.
Salivating for his next offering!
What is also truly commendable is that despite this being a work of fiction, Raman has woven in the strong thread of realism into the Insider. Not only does he make the story entirely plausible but also educates the reader on the fact that white collar crime in India often escapes punishment because it does not indict on circumstantial evidence and thus perhaps a call to the Indian judiciary.
Salivating for his next offering!
July 13, 2017
Extraordinary improvement over the previous book, Fraudster (which itself was quite a good story). Set in corporate India, R.V. Raman has created one of the more intricate scams I've come across in this genre, roping in plot elements from several fields including finance, management, tech and analytics. The plot is quickly paced and I couldn't put the book down for a minute. The author clearly has a knack for creating stories in this setting and I'm looking forward to future books. As I mentioned in another review, this author's books engage me cerebrally without dropping pace or intrigue. I find that refreshing.
July 13, 2016
Full marks for coming up with an original crime and full marks for keeping out sleaze and masala. Great plot, great storytelling. It's a clean, fast-paced thriller set in corporate India.
Not being familiar with stock markets, I was apprehensive at the beginning. I wondered if I would understand it. But, I had no problem. The writing is lucid, doesn’t use jargon, and doesn’t get technical. Nice, tight storyline, excellent plotting, taut writing. Enjoyed it.
Not being familiar with stock markets, I was apprehensive at the beginning. I wondered if I would understand it. But, I had no problem. The writing is lucid, doesn’t use jargon, and doesn’t get technical. Nice, tight storyline, excellent plotting, taut writing. Enjoyed it.
August 28, 2023
📚 **Intriguing Depths Unveiled: "Insider" by R.V. Raman** 📈
As a seasoned book critic, I often encounter thrillers that promise to unravel the enigmatic world of crime, but "Insider" by R.V. Raman stands out as a compelling narrative that penetrates the labyrinthine layers of corporate deceit. This debut novel has certainly made waves in the literary sphere, and I was eager to explore its depths.
"Insider" is a multifaceted thriller that immerses readers in the intricate web of the Indian stock market. The story revolves around Shashi Kurva, a highly successful CEO, who finds himself entangled in an insider trading scandal that threatens to dismantle his life. What follows is a relentless pursuit of truth, an exploration of manipulation, murder, and the grim underbelly of data analytics.
R.V. Raman's writing is sharp, precise, and technically adept. He captures the essence of financial intricacies without overwhelming the reader. His clear narrative keeps the plot's momentum flowing, making it accessible even to those less familiar with the stock market intricacies.
The characters are meticulously crafted, each with their own motives and secrets. Raman delves into the dark psyche of the corporate world, where profit is the ultimate goal. The portrayal of ambition and moral ambiguity within this landscape is thought-provoking.
The plot is a well-constructed maze, guiding readers through a series of unexpected twists and turns. Raman's structuring of the story keeps the suspense intact, urging us to question the motivations of each character and the hidden connections that bind them.
"Insider" dissects themes of duplicity, avarice, and power, shedding light on the lengths people will go to protect their interests. It serves as a stark reminder of the less savory aspects of the corporate world and the price individuals are willing to pay for success.
Raman's narrative evokes a sense of unease that lingers long after the final page. The moral dilemmas faced by the characters strike a chord, making us question our own values in the face of temptation and moral compromise.
The strength of "Insider" lies in its ability to immerse readers in the world of high-stakes finance while maintaining a gripping storyline. However, some may find the intricacies of stock trading overwhelming, and a bit more character development could enhance the emotional connection.
"Insider" is a commendable debut by R.V. Raman, offering a compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged throughout. While it may appeal more to those with an interest in finance, its exploration of human greed and ethical dilemmas makes it a thought-provoking read.
"Insider" peels back the layers of corporate ambition, revealing a world where moral boundaries blur. R.V. Raman's debut thriller is a gripping addition to the genre, a journey through the murky waters of the Indian stock market that leaves readers contemplating the true cost of success.
As a seasoned book critic, I often encounter thrillers that promise to unravel the enigmatic world of crime, but "Insider" by R.V. Raman stands out as a compelling narrative that penetrates the labyrinthine layers of corporate deceit. This debut novel has certainly made waves in the literary sphere, and I was eager to explore its depths.
"Insider" is a multifaceted thriller that immerses readers in the intricate web of the Indian stock market. The story revolves around Shashi Kurva, a highly successful CEO, who finds himself entangled in an insider trading scandal that threatens to dismantle his life. What follows is a relentless pursuit of truth, an exploration of manipulation, murder, and the grim underbelly of data analytics.
R.V. Raman's writing is sharp, precise, and technically adept. He captures the essence of financial intricacies without overwhelming the reader. His clear narrative keeps the plot's momentum flowing, making it accessible even to those less familiar with the stock market intricacies.
The characters are meticulously crafted, each with their own motives and secrets. Raman delves into the dark psyche of the corporate world, where profit is the ultimate goal. The portrayal of ambition and moral ambiguity within this landscape is thought-provoking.
The plot is a well-constructed maze, guiding readers through a series of unexpected twists and turns. Raman's structuring of the story keeps the suspense intact, urging us to question the motivations of each character and the hidden connections that bind them.
"Insider" dissects themes of duplicity, avarice, and power, shedding light on the lengths people will go to protect their interests. It serves as a stark reminder of the less savory aspects of the corporate world and the price individuals are willing to pay for success.
Raman's narrative evokes a sense of unease that lingers long after the final page. The moral dilemmas faced by the characters strike a chord, making us question our own values in the face of temptation and moral compromise.
The strength of "Insider" lies in its ability to immerse readers in the world of high-stakes finance while maintaining a gripping storyline. However, some may find the intricacies of stock trading overwhelming, and a bit more character development could enhance the emotional connection.
"Insider" is a commendable debut by R.V. Raman, offering a compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged throughout. While it may appeal more to those with an interest in finance, its exploration of human greed and ethical dilemmas makes it a thought-provoking read.
"Insider" peels back the layers of corporate ambition, revealing a world where moral boundaries blur. R.V. Raman's debut thriller is a gripping addition to the genre, a journey through the murky waters of the Indian stock market that leaves readers contemplating the true cost of success.
July 3, 2022
Meh! Reading this book was like watching a hindi serial. Not terrible, but not very engaging either. It is clearly an amateur attempt at writing by someone very familiar with the finance/accounting world.
The good
- moderately engaging story
- consistently good grammar. Just generally well written English.
- the technology and financial details are accurately used
The bad
- predicable story
- you never develop a connection with any of the characters
The good
- moderately engaging story
- consistently good grammar. Just generally well written English.
- the technology and financial details are accurately used
The bad
- predicable story
- you never develop a connection with any of the characters
March 10, 2022
This was my first book written by R.V. Raman and was a very good experience. The story was fictional but it gives you a taste of real life happenings in and around the stock market, co-operate and insider trading.
Surely would read the other books by the author.
Surely would read the other books by the author.
February 8, 2025
Taut, engaging and intense, INSIDER is a thrilling page-turner set in the world of finance. Very lucid writing, extremely well crafted plot, and a fluid narration makes this book a highly stirring experience.
November 3, 2025
Wow. The characters, setting, concepts are relatable. It’s refreshing to read a good Novel set in India. The information is explained clearly. Can even suggest this book as a primer for people interested in stocks and derivatives!
July 19, 2017
Indian thriller involving trade, share market, white collar crime including technology.
Read
July 6, 2019Mimics the scam we see around us these days... insightfully done. Many years in the corporate sector gives him a unique insight...
May 31, 2020
A brilliant plot. Awesome narration. Take a bow.
August 10, 2020
Best thriller book I ever read. Story has a flow and now way till end of story is the story predictable. Must read thriller book.
April 23, 2025
engaging read
March 26, 2017
Insider is an awesome book written by R.V. Raman. This story seems as close to reality as it can be. The author has explained every piece of information related to the stock market in the simplest manner possible so that everyone can understand the story. I recommend this book as a Goodread.
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